Afghan gov't chalks out new security plan for Kandahar

KABUL, April 25 (Xinhua) -- After over a dozen people, mainly civilians and local officials, have lost their lives in series of militants' attacks over the past couple of weeks in Taliban birthplace Kandahar, south of Afghanistan the government has chalked out a new security plan to ensure security there, Waheed Omar, the chief spokesman of President Hamid Karzai said on Sunday.

"After several terror attacks against government official in Kandahar, a new security plan has been chalked out and would be implemented in near future to ensure security there," Omar told a regular press briefing here.

He also expressed optimism that the new security plan would curb militancy in Kandahar and ensure security for the people there.

"With President Karzai on the chair, the National Security Council discussed security situation in Kandahar today," Omar responded Xinhua's query, adding, "Security in Kandahar city, of course depends on viable security in the villages and districts around the city."

However, he did not give more details.

Over ten local officials including Zizullah Yarmal the deputy mayor of Kandahar, Majid Babai the director of cultural department, Hussain Walasi the director of cooperative assisted farmers have been killed over the past two weeks.

In the latest view of terror attacks unidentified armed men shot and killed brother of a Senator of Afghan parliament in Kandahar city this morning.

Omar also stressed that a joint Afghan and NATO-led forces operation would be launched this summer against Taliban militants in Kandahar.

However, he emphasized that the offensive would not begin unless Afghan government is assured that no civilians is harmed.